John Moore “Father of British Biathlon” dies

It is with deep regret that we announce that Lieutenant Colonel John (“JAG”) Moore, late Royal Artillery, died at the age of 84 on 26th August 2017. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Ida, sons Mark & Paul and daughter Alison and all their families.

He competed in Cross Country at the Olympic Winter Games in Cortina in 1956 and then in both Biathlon & Cross Country in 1960 (Grenoble) & 1964 (Innsbruck). One of his team-mates at Cortina was Jimmie Spencer; now a retired Colonel aged 93, he is probably the BOA’s oldest surviving winter Olympian and still skis at home in Canada. As a 14 year old school boy John Moore had competed at the first ever Army Ski Championships in Austria 1948, where his father Major George Moore was the Clerk of the Course. George fenced for GBR a few months later at London 1948, whilst John’s son, Captain Mark Moore, competed in Cross Country at Sarajevo 1984; quite an Olympic family!

John also raced Alpine for the Army and competed in five Biathlon World Championships, including the inaugural event in Saalfelden 1958. Affectionately known as the “Father of British Biathlon” he was a Course Setter / Technical Delegate in biathlon for four Olympic Winter Games and in no fewer than six World Championships. He served on the Council (Management Committee) of the ASA (now the Army Winter Sports Association) for many years, and from 1972 – 84 as a member of the UIPMB (now IBU) Technical Committee, and Chairman from 1976 -1980. He was Commandant The Army School of Physical Training from 1975 – 78 and was awarded the OBE for services to skiing in 1984. On retirement from the Army he worked for the major British sports retailer Lillywhites of Piccadilly, and then established his own successful sports equipment business.

A Memorial Service is to be held on Saturday 18th November at 11:00 in the Chapel at RMA Sandhurst, followed by a Buffet Lunch in the Indian Army Room. RSVP: markkjmoore@msn.com